Community, Leisure and Tourism

Introduction

11.1 Good quality and easily accessible community and leisure facilities are a vital element contributing to the quality of life for local residents. This is recognised in the Planning Policy Guidance Note 17, together with other Central Government strategies for the delivery of health and education services. These facilities are diverse in nature and are therefore provided and run by a number of different agencies, each with their own strategies for delivery and their own set of objectives.

11.2 The provision of these facilities is also directly related to the characteristics of the population and their changing expectations. Some of the key population changes in recent years have been the reduction in children of school age, the growth in the number of elderly people, the increased number of single person households, a general rise in disposable income and increasing awareness of the benefits of active leisure activities on health. Over the plan period, it is expected that the number of children of school age will increase slightly, but the other trends will continue.

11.3 The District Plan can only deal with the land use element of the provision of these facilities. However, in view of the pressure to use urban land efficiently, it is vital that a strategy is put in place to secure existing facilities where still required and reserve land for the future needs of local communities.

Issues

11.4 There are a number of diverse issues which the District Plan must take account of in developing a land use strategy for leisure, community and tourist facilities:

  • The population of the district will continue to change over the Plan period, leading to changing demands for facilities;

  • The mechanisms for the delivery of many community facilities and services will be subject to change in the Plan period, with partnership arrangements and the most efficient use of buildings and facilities being a key element;

  • The provision of leisure, arts and cultural facilities will need to be dynamic to meet the changing needs and expectations of both local people and visitors to the district;

  • Changes in the way that health services will be delivered will need to be embraced, in particular the emphasis on primary care and the local delivery of services;

  • Changes in the school age population of the district will require the protection of educational facilities and guidelines for new development necessary to meet any shortfall;

  • The general growth in tourism must be met sustainably and, for the economic benefit of the district, by the provision of new facilities and the enhancement of existing attractions.

Strategy and Objectives

11.5 The key objectives for the District Plan in formulating policies for community, leisure and tourism facilities are as follows: -

  1. To facilitate the sustainable provision of facilities to meet the needs of local communities;

  2. To ensure that existing leisure, community and tourism facilities for which there will be a continuing demand during the Plan period are protected;

  3. In line with the Council's Leisure Strategy, to encourage the provision of leisure, arts and cultural facilities that improve the health and quality of life of local people;

  4. Ensure that health facilities and in particular primary care facilities in the district are accessible to all and are good neighbours;

  5. To ensure that new education facilities respect the local environment and existing facilities are used effectively;

  6. Encourage the provision of new facilities to meet the needs of pre-school children;

  7. To ensure that new tourist facilities are delivered in sustainable locations, for the maximum benefit of local people.

Policies

Protection of Existing Leisure Facilities

11.6 Leisure and recreational facilities are an important element in the life of residents and bring vitality and attractiveness to the district. It is essential that existing indoor and outdoor facilities are safeguarded and that maximum benefit is derived from them. The Council recognises that it cannot prevent the closure of privately run or commercial facilities but is concerned to ensure the provision of an appropriate range of suitably sited leisure opportunities. To this end the Council wishes to encourage new venues as well as protect existing facilities from loss to a non-recreational/community use.

11.7 The Council is also aware that some recreational activities may occupy premises which no longer meet, nor can reasonably be adapted to meet, current safety or other operational standards and will be mindful of these issues when considering proposals for the redevelopment of these premises.

Policy CLT 1 - Protection of Existing Leisure Facilities

Planning permission will not be granted for proposals involving the loss of any existing outdoor or indoor recreational or leisure facility unless:

  1. It can be clearly demonstrated that there is no longer a current demand for such a facility for either recreational, leisure or community use, or any real prospect of a demand arising within a realistic timescale; or

  2. It can be clearly demonstrated that an acceptable alternative means of meeting any such demand is or will become available, before the loss of the existing facility; or

  3. The new development consists of, incorporates or provides, an appropriate alternative recreational or community facility.

Demand should be assessed according to the nature of the existing recreational facility in question.

New and Expanded Leisure Facilities

11.8 The Council recognises the growing demand for leisure facilities, and will encourage proposals to develop new facilities in the district to meet leisure and cultural needs of the community. Leisure facilities attract visitors, and are capable of generating significant amounts of traffic. Siting these facilities in town centres, which are readily accessible to public transport, can help to reduce reliance on the car and can contribute to the vitality and viability of town centres, in particular by supporting the economy. The preferred location, therefore, for these facilities in the district will be in the town centres. In addition, specific provision is proposed as part of the District Centre on the Hatfield Aerodrome Site.

11.9 Where there are no suitable sites in these locations the Council will be prepared to consider edge of centre sites, or at the very least, sites that are highly accessible by public transport, provided that such developments do not undermine the vitality and viability of the town centres and where a need for such a facility in the district has been established.

11.10 The Council will only permit the development of new, or the expansion of existing facilities, where there will be no harmful impact on the character of the surrounding area or amenity of nearby residential properties and other uses. In addition, development will only be permitted where it will not cause unacceptable nuisance in terms of noise and traffic generation and will not result in the loss of land protected or designated for other uses in the Plan. When considering development proposals for leisure facilities the Council will also have regard to the scale and nature of the proposal and the convenience of access to the site from likely sources of demand.

11.11 Concerns have been raised about the lack of swimming facilities in Welwyn Garden City, however, research by Sport England in 1998 and 2001 concluded that there was more than sufficient water space in Welwyn Hatfield to meet anticipated future demand for swimming in the district. The Council recognises, however, concerns which have been raised about the lack of public swimming pool facilities in Welwyn Garden City. In the light of these concerns, a Swimming Development Proposal for Welwyn Hatfield was prepared for the Council in March 2003 to help guide policies in all aspects of swimming. One of the objectives of the Swimming Development Proposal is "to ensure that all residents of Welwyn Hatfield have easy access to well managed swimming pools offering a range of casual and programmed activities, sited in locations convenient for users". At the Cabinet meeting of 5th June 2003, the Council agreed to work with the Welwyn Hatfield Leisure Trust to assess provision levels in the district in line with the Swimming Development Proposal.

Policy CLT 2 - New and Expanded Leisure Facilities

The preferred location for new leisure facilities is in the district's two town centres. Where there are no suitable sites in the town centres, but there is a clear need for the facility, the Council may consider proposals in edge of centre locations, at district or neighbourhood centres or in other areas with high accessibility by public transport. In all cases the Council will only permit proposals for new or expanded leisure facilities where all of the following criteria are met:

  1. The facility would not adversely affect the vitality and viability of the two town centres;

  2. There is no harmful impact on the amenities of nearby residential properties and other uses;

  3. It will not cause unacceptable nuisance in terms of noise or traffic generation;

  4. The development is in keeping with the scale and character of the surrounding buildings and area; and

  5. The site is easily accessible by passenger transport, walking and cycling.

Stanborough Park

11.12 Stanborough Park performs an important role within the district as a provider of formal and informal recreation opportunities. At present, other than open space, the park offers recreation in the form of a boating lake, a watersports centre and yachting lake and a nature reserve at its southern end. The Council will seek to preserve and enhance the wildlife and nature qualities of the park, whilst promoting and improving its potential for recreation. The park is located within the Green Belt and therefore only development for essential small scale facilities for outdoor sport and recreation or for other uses which preserve the openness of the Green Belt will be allowed. However, the park also contains the former Splashland Swimming Complex, which was an important built leisure facility for the district. It will therefore support proposals for the redevelopment of Splashland for new leisure facilities, provided they have no greater impact on the openness of the Green Belt and do not occupy a greater footprint than or exceed the height of the existing buildings.

Policy CLT 3 - Stanborough Park

In Stanborough Park, as identified on the Proposals Map, the Council will seek to preserve and enhance the natural wildlife, whilst promoting and improving the recreational potential of the park. Development proposals will be considered against the policies in the Plan which define appropriate development in the Green Belt. In addition, the Council will grant planning permission for proposals for the redevelopment of the Splashland site, as separately identified on the Proposals Map, subject to the following criteria:

  1. It should have no greater impact on the openness of the Green Belt and the purposes of including this land within it than the development which existed on the site at the time of the closure of the swimming complex;

  2. Any new buildings should not exceed the height of the buildings which existed on the site at the time of the closure of the swimming complex; and

  3. New buildings should not occupy a greater footprint of the site than the buildings which existed on the site at the time of the closure of the swimming complex.

Arts and Cultural Facilities

11.13 Arts and cultural facilities cover a wide range of leisure activities, all of which play an important role in improving people's quality of life. In addition, they provide opportunities for lifelong learning, assist in reducing social and economic barriers, and support economic regeneration and prosperity. There are many organisations within the district providing valuable participation in these activities; the contribution of the voluntary sector is particularly important. However there is fierce competition from museums, theatres and other tourist attractions in London, St Albans and Stevenage. The Council recognises that there are gaps in the provision of art and culture and that there is a latent demand of people wanting to take up or do more arts related activities.

Policy CLT 4 - Arts and Cultural Facilities

The Council will grant planning permission for proposals which will increase or improve the provision of arts and cultural facilities in the district, provided that:

  1. There is no harmful impact on the amenities of nearby residential properties and other uses;

  2. They will not cause unacceptable nuisance in terms of noise or traffic generation; and

  3. The site is easily accessible by passenger transport, walking and cycling.

Tourism Facilities

11.14 Welwyn Hatfield is well placed to develop tourism both in terms of its location, its heritage and the number of visitor attractions already within its boundary. Many of these attractions are within the rural areas of the district. However, the urban areas offer other attractions for tourists such as shopping facilities, sports centres, arts and cultural facilities. There is also considerable untapped potential in terms of the heritage of the Garden City and the aviation heritage of the Hatfield Aerodrome site.

11.15 Tourism is important as a source of employment and aid to economic regeneration. The Council wishes to promote the development of tourism in the district and will encourage proposals to provide new or improved tourist attractions and facilities to accommodate tourists and visitors in the district. When assessing development proposals the Council will have regard to their effects on the amenities of nearby residential properties and other uses, the character and appearance of the surrounding area, traffic and noise generation, proximity to public transport, and accessibility for people with disabilities.

Policy CLT 5 - Tourist Facilities

The Council will permit development proposals for new and improved tourist attractions and facilities in the district provided that they:

  1. Do not have a harmful impact on the amenities of nearby residential properties and other uses, and the character of the surrounding area;

  2. Do not create unacceptable nuisance in terms of traffic or noise generation; and

  3. Are easily accessible by passenger transport, walking and cycling.

Hotels

11.16 Whilst there are a number of hotels in the district, there is still a shortage of hotel bed-spaces, both to support business and tourist visitors. A site for a hotel has been identified in the master plan for the former Hatfield Aerodrome site. In addition, the Council will encourage the development of other hotels in the district, particularly where they are accessible by passenger transport. They should preferably be located in town centres, but where there are no suitable sites, edge of centre sites or other locations easily accessible by public transport may be considered. In all cases, proposals will be assessed against their impact on amenity, the environment and traffic generation.

Policy CLT 6 - Hotels

The Council will grant planning permission for proposals which increase and improve hotel accommodation within the district. The preferred locations for hotels are in the district's town centres and on the designated sites on the Hatfield aerodrome site. Where there are no suitable sites in the town centres, the Council may consider development proposals in edge of centre locations, at district or neighbourhood centres or in areas with high accessibility by public transport. In all cases the Council will only permit proposals for hotels where:

  1. There is no harmful impact on the amenities of nearby residential properties and other uses;

  2. The development is in keeping with the scale and character of the surrounding area; and

  3. The development is easily accessible by passenger transport, walking and cycling.

Community Use of Schools/Educational facilities

11.17 The Council recognises that educational facilities are a valuable community resource with potential for wider use for community purposes. The use of educational buildings and land to provide arts, entertainment and sports activities to the wider public can benefit the community, make more efficient use of resources, and help to strengthen links between educational establishments and the community they serve. The Council also recognises that the use of education playing fields by the wider public can be particularly beneficial in areas of open space deficiency. School buildings, playing fields and other school facilities are especially suited to multiple use, as they can be used in the evenings, at weekends and during school holidays.

11.18 The Council will encourage the multiple use of educational facilities and seek to ensure that new facilities are designed and sited to allow potential for multiple use. The multiple use of facilities will only be appropriate where it would be ancillary to the main education use, would not interfere with the normal schooling or educational activities of the establishment, and would not have a harmful impact on the character of the surrounding area and amenities of nearby residential properties and other uses.

Policy CLT 7 - Community Use of Education Facilities

The Council will grant planning permission for the multiple use of existing and new educational facilities for community or leisure activities. Where new dual use facilities are proposed, they should:

  1. Be ancillary to the main use of the facility for education;

  2. Not interfere with the delivery of the education service; and

  3. Not have a harmful impact on the character of the surrounding area or amenities of nearby residential properties and other uses.

New Education Facilities

11.19 Many County Council maintained schools in the district have little spare capacity. In addition, the demand for nursery, primary, secondary and further education places is expected to increase over the Plan period as a result of natural population growth, the required increase in new housing development in the district, the statutory requirement for reduced class sizes and government targets for post 16 years education. Proposals for large new housing developments, which are likely to place pressure on existing local schools, will be expected to contribute to the provision of new school places and facilities where this is demonstrated by the Local Education Authority (LEA). Any such contribution would be covered through the use of a Section 106 agreement.

11.20 Schools also generate significant levels of traffic. Where new facilities or extensions to existing schools are being proposed, the Council will expect that sufficient long term parking and safe setting down and pick up areas should be provided. Where possible journeys by private motor vehicles will be discouraged, in line with the Safer Routes to School initiative in the Local Transport Plan. However, it is recognised that the nature of the current education system, which allows for choice between schools, may lead to traffic generation from outside the locality. PPG13 on Transport states that policies should encourage the location of facilities which need to be near their clients in residential areas or local centres so that they are accessible on foot or by bicycle. Such facilities include schools. To minimise the impact of traffic, new schools should be situated close to passenger transport services, provide opportunities for shared journeys, for example using school buses, and provide secure facilities for the storage of bicycles for all using the school.

11.21 During the District Plan period, it is possible that schools and colleges may find it necessary to use temporary classrooms to cope with short-term fluctuations in pupil/student numbers. The Council accepts that these can solve short-term problems but feels that they should not be used to hide deficiencies in permanent accommodation. Temporary planning permission for such buildings will therefore not normally be renewed. The Council will actively support the education provider in identifying a solution to permanent education deficiencies where the additional accommodation is required to meet the educational needs of the district. The Council will take into account the siting and the visual impact of such buildings and will expect the structures to be removed when the temporary period of consent expires.

Policy CLT 8 - New and Extended Education Facilities

Proposals for new or extended facilities for schools or colleges will be granted planning permission provided:

  1. They are situated close to centres of population and passenger transport services;

  2. They provide opportunities for shared journeys, for example by school bus;

  3. They provide facilities for the secure storage of bicycles for students and staff;

  4. The proposal complies with the Council's current car parking standards and there would be no adverse impact on the highway network including highway safety;

  5. Provision is made for the safety of students whilst being dropped off or picked up;

  6. There would be no harmful impact on the amenity of nearby residential properties and other uses; and

  7. There would be no significant impact on the character of the area.

Developers of housing schemes will be expected to contribute to the provision of school places or facilities where such schemes will lead to overcrowding in local schools or children having to travel unacceptable distances to obtain school places.

The Council will accept temporary buildings on existing school sites to meet short-term education needs, subject to their appearance and impact on the surrounding area. Conditions will be attached to ensure the buildings are only retained for a temporary period.

Use of Redundant Educational Facilities

11.22 As such buildings are designed with the ability to accommodate large numbers of students, teachers and support staff, and they are often used by the community out of school hours, they are considered to be suitable, in principle, for occupation by community uses in general. Should an educational facility no longer be required for its original purpose, the Council will first review whether such facilities should be retained for community uses such as a community centre, arts centre or sports facility. Where the buildings are not suitable for community use, or where there is no identifiable need for community provision, other uses, such as housing, will be considered. Proposals for the reuse of part or all of a former school's playing field will be assessed against the open space policies of this Plan.

Policy CLT 9 - Use of Redundant Education Facilities

The Council will grant planning permission for the redevelopment or re-use of redundant educational establishments that are surplus to educational requirements, for community, leisure or recreation purposes. Where applicants can demonstrate that the buildings are unsuitable for re-use or there is no local need for community, leisure or recreation facilities, other suitable alternative uses such as housing will be considered.

Nurseries and Childcare Facilities

11.23 The LEA together with the Early Years Partnership (EYP) and through the Early Years Development Plan, has achieved universal provision of nursery places for 4 year olds throughout the county. The EYP is now developing policies which may lead to extended provision for 3 year olds. In addition, as more parents return to work, the demand for affordable childcare places is anticipated to rise. Pre-school childcare facilities are provided throughout Welwyn Hatfield by the public, private and voluntary sectors with playgrounds, full time nurseries, after school clubs and part time cr�ches all playing valuable roles. The scale of these uses can vary enormously, from using part of an existing residential property to a church hall or new building constructed specifically for the intended purpose. In the case of facilities being situated in residential buildings it is important that the scale of use remains subordinate to the residential character of the property, and the immediate area, and does not harm the amenities of residents. Conversion of a whole house will be resisted as will an over-concentration of nurseries, playgroups and other child care provision to prevent an unacceptable impact on the local area. Because of the young age of children attending these types of facilities, and the growing trend for parents to return to full or part-time employment, there tends to be a high level of car movements generated by these uses. It will therefore be important to ensure that safe setting down and picking up areas are provided, in addition to longer term parking for staff and parents.

Policy CLT 10 - Nurseries and Childcare Facilities

Proposals for nurseries or childcare facilities will be granted permission provided that:

  1. Proposals make adequate provision for car parking, safe dropping off and picking up areas and have no harmful impact on the highway network including highway safety;

  2. Proposals have no harmful impact on nearby residential properties and other uses or the character of the area;

  3. Proposals would not detract from the visual amenity of the area; and

  4. Where a proposal involves a residential property, the use remains subordinate to the main residential use of the dwelling.

Developers of housing schemes will be expected to make a contribution to the provision of nurseries or childcare facilities, where the development would result in overcrowding of existing facilities or young children having to travel unacceptable distances to obtain a place in a facility.

Library Services

11.24 The County Council and the District Council have discussed the adequacy of existing libraries in the district and have identified particular deficiencies in Hatfield. A new library facility will be provided as part of the redevelopment of the Hatfield Aerodrome site. However, the main focus for improvements will be in Hatfield Town Centre, where it is proposed that a new library be provided as part of a joint facility with a new health centre and community space within the town centre redevelopment scheme. Where new development results in a need for improved library facilities elsewhere in the district an appropriate contribution will be required towards the provision of such a facility.

Policy CLT 11 - Library Services

The Council will support proposals to improve the library facilities in Hatfield town centre. All major developments which place additional demands on the existing library services and facilities will be required to make an appropriate contribution to the provision of new or enhanced libraries in the district.

New Community Facilities

11.25 Used by a wide spectrum of community groups and voluntary organisations, community centres and halls need to be located in areas close to the population they serve, and to be easily accessible by a range of transport options. Whilst community facilities are not universally operated or revenue funded by the Council, extensive investment has culminated in the provision of new and improved community facilities throughout the district.

11.26 The Council aims to encourage community facilities which serve a wide catchment to locate within central areas in towns, whilst provision geared to more local needs and demands is facilitated within local district centres and residential areas. This distribution is more efficient in terms of providing accessible community facilities, which can be reached by the use of public transport and other alternatives to the private car, such as cycling and walking.

11.27 The Council is seeking to improve and enhance community facility provision and will therefore welcome applications, which it receives for such developments. The dual use of buildings for sustainable community provision is also to be encouraged, as this can extend the vitality of the local neighbourhoods into the evenings. In some instances the loss of residential accommodation may be negated by the need for a community facility, which genuinely requires a site in a particular locality. In such cases, applicants will need to demonstrate that, for example, a thorough search for alternative accommodation had proved unsuccessful, that there is a need for the facility in that area, and that the benefit of the facility would outweigh the loss of residential accommodation.

Policy CLT 12 - New Community Facilities

Development of community facilities, which meet the needs of local residents will be granted planning permission in the following locations:

  1. Residential areas where the proposals would not harm the amenities of nearby residential properties;

  2. New residential developments in areas where there is a deficiency, in terms of access to community facilities;

  3. Where the demand for the facility in an area is sufficient for the catchment of the proposed facility.

The loss of residential accommodation will only be permitted where it is essential for the facility to be situated in that locality and cannot be provided in non-residential accommodation.

Loss of Community Facilities

11.28 Given the finite amount of land available for development in the district it is possible that planning applications may be made which seek to replace community facilities with other forms of development. The District Council will not grant planning permission for any development which would result in the loss of any community facilities, unless it can be demonstrated that there is no longer a need for the building or site for any form of community use, or that there is an acceptable alternative means of meeting the demand, either within the new development or in another suitable location. If an alternative is suitable the Council may impose a condition on the planning permission or seek an obligation to be entered into, requiring that the new community facilities are completed and made available prior to the loss of the original facility. This also applies to redundant community buildings or sites, where planning permission will not be granted for any other use on the site unless it can be demonstrated that there is no longer a need for the function the site previously performed.

Policy CLT 13 - Loss of Community Facilities

Planning permission will not be granted for proposals involving the loss of community facilities or the loss of land allocated for such purposes, unless there is no longer a need for them, or there is an acceptable alternative means of meeting the need.

Places of Worship

11.29 The Council is aware of the growing number of religious groups who wish to meet, celebrate, and worship within suitable premises and sees multi-denominational buildings as the most effective solution. Sites which are large enough to accommodate new meeting halls and places of worship are rare. However, where opportunities arise, the Council will support such provision where it can be demonstrated that the use will serve a local community and not result in unacceptable levels of traffic nor disturbance to neighbouring properties. Sites should be accessible by a range of transport modes and should not lead to unacceptable levels of on-street parking.

Policy CLT 14 - Places of Worship

The provision of new or extensions to existing places of worship will be granted planning permission where it can be demonstrated that the use and choice of location will only serve a local community and the site would be easily accessible by a range of transport options. In addition, proposals should:

  1. Make adequate provision for car parking and have no adverse impact on the highway network including highway safety;

  2. Have no harmful impact on the amenities of nearby residential properties and other uses; and

  3. Not detract from the visual amenity of the area.

Health Centres and Surgeries

11.30 The Council recognises that it is of great importance to patients if primary health care facilities such as doctors' surgeries are located near their homes. Where non-residential premises are unavailable, the general resistance to the loss of residential accommodation may be relaxed, provided that the service proposed genuinely requires such a location, and the proposal conforms with all other relevant policies in this Local Plan. One way of testing the need to locate on a residential site will be whether a substantial number of patients are within walking distance. If a service provides for a wider catchment area but would result in a net loss of residential accommodation or land then planning permission will not be granted.

Policy CLT 15 - Health Centres and Surgeries

The provision of new or extended surgeries and other medical or health services will be granted planning permission provided that:

  1. There would be no loss of a satisfactory residential unit in accordance with relevant policies in this plan;

  2. The applicant can demonstrate that the proposed development is essential for the delivery of a necessary local health service and that alternative premises are not available;

  3. The proposal complies with the Council's current car parking standards and there would be no adverse effect on the highway network including highway safety;

  4. There would be no harmful impact on the amenity of nearby residential properties and other uses;

  5. There would be no significant impact on the character of the area; and

  6. The premises are well served by a range of transport alternatives.

Queen Elizabeth II Hospital

11.31 The QE II Hospital in Welwyn Garden City is the major provider of emergency facilities, acute and chronic medical care in the district and indeed the eastern part of Hertfordshire. The Council wishes to see these services retained and enhanced within the district and will therefore support the future improvement of facilities at the hospital.

11.32 However, the hospital draws patients and visitors from throughout northern and eastern Hertfordshire, as well as employing a large number of staff who commute to the site daily. This has a significant impact on the surrounding residential areas in terms of traffic and car parking. The Council wishes to see a long-term strategy to manage this problem effectively and measures taken to encourage staff and visitors to use alternative modes of travel. The Council will therefore work with the East Hertfordshire NHS Trust to prepare a master plan for the hospital site, which should include future development requirements, a green travel plan and a car parking management strategy. Any future development proposals for the site must be brought forward in the context of this master plan and should seek to minimise impact on the surrounding area.

Policy CLT 16 - QE II Hospital

The Council will support the provision and expansion of health care services at the QEII hospital, subject to its impact on the surrounding area in terms of traffic, noise, pollution, car parking and visual appearance. Proposals for new development will only be considered in the context of an overall master plan for the site, which should be subject to public consultation before being agreed with the Council. The master plan should contain proposals to reduce car traffic and manage car parking as part of any future development on the site.

Care in the Community

11.33 The Health Authority, County Council Social Services Department and District Council are committed to providing community based health and welfare facilities and services. With the move away from long-stay community care facilities, new community facilities are required, particularly for residential care, allowing people to live within the community while still receiving the support and care they require.

11.34 Although the precise land use implications of this policy are as yet unclear, they could be quite considerable as more local sites and premises will need to be developed or converted for residential nursing homes for the elderly, the ill and handicapped. It is the Health Authority's policy to disperse community homes within the area and avoid concentrations of such uses. However, community homes must also be located where they are accessible to essential facilities such as shops and health centres. The Council, whilst supporting the aims of care in the community, will therefore apply the following policy to safeguard the amenity of local residents.

Policy CLT 17 - Care in the Community

The Council will grant planning permission for the establishment or extension of residential homes falling within the relevant use class in existing residential areas, either by the development of vacant sites or by conversion of existing properties provided that:

  1. The scale of the proposal will not be detrimental to the established character of the surrounding residential area, nor the amenity of adjoining occupiers;

  2. The proposal includes acceptable access and car parking provision, including visitors' parking;

  3. The proposal is located so that it is accessible to essential facilities; and

  4. The proposal does not result in a concentration of such facilities resulting in an overload of local facilities or a change in character of the residential area in which it is located.

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